CDS News

From 1 February, hardship applications must be submitted to magistrates’ courts in the first instance, and not to the National Courts Team (NCT).

The court will then forward copies of the CDS14 and 15 together with the hardship application to NCT.

Following a review of the hardship review process we have found that it is more efficient for courts to forward the copies of the CDS14/15, when prompted by the paper submission of the hardship application.

By ensuring the NCT have copies of papers relating to the original funding decision when hardships are submitted, NCT will be able to make prompt assessment without potential delays in requesting paperwork from the court.

This change will be reflected in the revised version of the Criminal Legal Aid Manual which will be available to download as a PDF from 1 February.

Further information

National Courts Team Nottingham (0115 908 4244) Nottingham.query@legalservices.gsi.gov.uk

National Courts Team Liverpool (0151 242 5203) Liverpool.query@legalservices.gsi.gov.uk